• So……*Why* Is Art As Important As A Bed In Your Home

A good question is *why* is art important in your life, wether you create art or collect it?

Art being a therapy is a subject close to my heart, as I have struggled for decades with physical and mental health issues. I do not speak of it often in a public forum; however, my wish to share this part of my life adds a new dimension of understanding in my work as an artist.

I think if Forbes (3) has written an article detailing how art in offices increase productivity, then it is even more so regarding our home (2).

The Guardian have created a beautiful short video about an artist who shares this sentiment, Yayoi Kusama (1). Here is a short excerpt from the article which resonates with my ethos:

“87-year-old Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama is celebrated as an avant-garde visionary, known for her iconic polka dot spectacles and immersive environments. She has a history of mental illness and has used art as a form of therapy. Simultaneous exhibitions opened this week in Washington and Tokyo, celebrating her career and the different way she sees the world.” (1)

Back to the blog title….*why* art is as important as a bed in your home?

The way this blog lists 13 reasons (2) about *why* art is important really resonates with me. There has been research on art in many guises; however, the reasons listed below make perfect sense. I believe every point is exactly why we spend so much loving time crafting our homes.

They state the 13 reasons are:

Creates Mood

Adds Personal Character to the Home

Makes Memories

Provides a Colour Palette

Makes a Room Feel Finished

Inspires and Fosters Creativity

Supports Artists

Conversation Starter

It is an Investment

Creates a Livable Environment

Keeps the Brain Active

Relaxation

Curating Your Own Gallery Is Fun

What do you think?

I have been creating art (in its various guises) my whole life and it is a corner stone to keeping me strong and balance my mind. I adore the fact that when I hold a brush, my mind drifts and it turns into my solace or a short type of ‘mental holiday’. Each painting encapsulates my passion and it is something I love to share by creating mood and meaning in the collectors home.